奈及利亞台商會成立

奈及利亞台灣商會聯合總會成立，首任團隊與貴賓合影。

奈及利亞是非洲最大的國家，該國台灣商會聯合總會（Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria, TCCN）日前在奈及利亞拉哥斯Maxxis Building舉行成立大會，同時舉行商會會所的門銜揭幕儀式。僑務委員會委員長吳新興特別致賀電，並贈與商會匾額祝賀。

奈及利亞台灣商會聯合總會成立，當地友人帶來傳統舞蹈演出祝賀。

會長吳孟宗表示，自去年11月正式籌備商會至今，剛好遇上國際油價大跌導致匯率崩盤，使奈國經濟出現危機，國家整體動盪不安，工商業受到重大衝擊，許多外商撤退。他希望本地台商朋友不要氣餒，因為奈及利亞是非洲最大的國家，礦產資源豐盛、更有非常好的人口紅利，世界各國還是相當看好。同時奈及利亞年輕人佔整體比例高，勞動力充沛，且擁有厚實的中產階級，一旦收入增加，消費力將會有很好的表現。

吳孟宗提到，近年來因奈及利亞環境變化、社會結構日趨複雜，國人常在各個領域遇到不同問題，商會成立的宗旨就是建立一個互助平台，讓旅居奈國的會員們有依靠。商會秘書處更會隨時提供國內外工商、財經以及生活相關資訊，讓會員更瞭解時代的變化，隨時掌握商業脈動。

吳孟宗勉勵旅奈台商發揮台灣人的吃苦精神，修訂經營方向、調整步伐，必能度過難關，也是企業經營難得的經驗累積。

參與成立大會的嘉賓有駐奈及利亞代表處代表趙家寶、經濟組組長石紹京，世界臺灣商會聯合總會名譽總會長吳松柏及名譽總會長溫玉霞、非洲臺灣商會聯合總會名譽總會長溫嵐珠及台灣非洲經貿協會理事長孫杰夫、拉哥斯台灣貿易中心主任吳國棟、前奈及利亞駐華辦事處處長Alh. Alfazazi A. Namairage以及來自當地政要與友人到場共襄盛舉。

奈及利亞台灣商會聯合總會源自「奈及利亞華僑總會（Chinese Association in Nigeria）」，已成立20多年，為使名實相符，決定更名為「奈及利亞台灣商會聯合總會（Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria）」，更名後第一任團隊為會長吳孟宗、監事長吳迺麟、首席顧問林俊賢、副會長陳淑芳、管繼平、郭文橐、林子立、理事楊能昆、許宗曜、高源俊、林昌榮、曾裕凱、秘書長劉淑美、副秘書長李寶珠。(僑委會提供)

新年度醫保費將兩位數上漲 麻州健康連絡者10/25教你找廉宜計畫

(Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)來自華府的消息稱，奧巴馬政府已證實，經由HealthCare.gov網站出售給消費者的醫療保險，明年保費將大漲。

在納稅人提供補助前，由聯邦政府所營運網上市場的中等程度醫療保險計畫，保費將增加大約25%。

在聯邦政府市場上提供服務的保險公司數目，將從232降到167。跌幅約為28%。

聯邦政府官員表示，儘管這數目看來不怎樣，但是依照設計會隨保費一起上漲的補助，將保護大多數消費者免於價格驚嚇。他們也認為想要找便宜醫保計畫的人仍然能夠找得到。

新年度的醫療保險，將從11月1日起開始受理投保，人們已經可以開始尋找適合自己的保費及醫保計畫。

麻州辦理聯邦政府醫療保險的半官方機構，麻州健康聯絡者(Massachusetts Health Connector)為協助州民在購買新年度醫療保險時做更好的準備，將在10月25日這天，舉辦為期一天的”隱藏的寶藏(Hidden Gems)”活動，派人分別到全州15個地點，介紹在麻州醫療保險市場中可以找得到，既符合各人家庭或個人需要，保費又適中的醫療保險計畫。

醫療健康聯絡者將為符合條件人士找到保費，掛號費都低，甚至不需自掏腰包付扣繳額的醫療保險計畫。

目前已經由麻州健康聯絡者購買醫療保險計畫的人，也可以重新尋找價格更合理，更適合各自需要的計畫。

在昆士市的介紹活動，將於下午3:30，在聯合第一教區教堂，也是亞當斯墓穴(The Adams Crypt, United First Parish Church, 1306 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169)所在地舉行。

其他的介紹地點及時間，可上網查察www.MAhealthconnector.org。

DETAILS ON THE HIDDEN GEMS TOUR

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, three teams from the Massachusetts Health Connector will be visiting 16 locations around the state as part of a ‘Hidden Gems’ tour. The tour is in advance of Open Enrollment, which starts Nov. 1 and is the time of year when anyone without health insurance can apply for coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector. At each stop, the teams will be highlighting the local gem, while also talking about the benefits of getting health insurance through the Health Connector – particularly in ConnectorCare, which provides plans with low premiums and co-pays, and no deductibles, to those who qualify.

Here are details on the Hidden Gems tour:

Northeastern Massachusetts and Merrimack Valley

Revere              The Bagel Bin Deli, 207 Shirley Ave., 8:30 a.m.

Everett              Carol’s Café, 388 Main St., 9:45 a.m.    

Gloucester        Open Door Food Pantry, 28 Emerson Ave., 11:30 a.m.

Lowell              Owl Diner, 244 Appleton St., 1:30 p.m.

Lowell              Massachusetts Health Connector Walk-in Center at Lowell Community Health Center, 161 Jackson St., 2:15 p.m.

Framingham      Amazing Things, 160 Hollis St., 5 p.m.

Western and Central Massachusetts

North Adams    Greylock Works, 508 State Road

Springfield        Massachusetts Health Connector Walk-in Center, 88 Industry Ave.

Springfield        Court Plaza, 36 Court St.

Worcester         Crompton Collective, 138 Green St.

Worcester         Massachusetts Health Connector Walk-in Center, 146 Main St.

Cape Cod/Southeastern Massachusetts

Hyannis            The Daily Paper café, 644 W. Main St.

New Bedford   Tia Maria’s, 42 N. Water St.

Fall River          Europa Pastries and Coffee Shop, 61 Columbia St.

Fall River          Massachusetts Health Connector Open Enrollment Walk-in Center, 387 Quarry St.

Quincy              The Adams Crypt, United First Parish Church, 1306 Hancock St.

麻州今日起辦理提早投票 波士頓市長以身作則

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Marty Walsh)(右)和波士頓選務局局長Dion Iris(中)
等人鼓吹提早投票。(周菊子攝)

(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)今(24)日是麻州首次辦理提早投票的第一個投票日。波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Marty Walsh)以身作則，下午一點多時，在市政府大樓內的投票站，投出神聖一票。

根據”國家立法機關全國會議(National Conference of State Legislatures)”的資料，全美現有37州辦理提早投票，以避免大選日當天，民眾得在投票站大排長龍。在2012年總統大選中，約有三分之一的選民提早投了票。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(中)在市府員工陪同中排隊等投票。(周菊子攝)

加州是最早辦理提早投票的州。麻州在2014年才通過提早投票法，今年首度實施。根據提早投票法，麻州市鎮從10月24日週一的今日起，必須設立至少一個投票站，一直運作到11月4日止，供選民提早投票。已經投了票的選民，在11月8日的正是大選日時，不可以再投票來改變心意。

在全美37個辦理提早投票的州中，共有15州從今天起辦理提早投票，另有幾個州，上星期已開始投票。迄今大概已經有300萬選民投了票。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊和所有選民一樣，在投票站報地址，領選票。
(周菊子攝)

波士頓市長馬丁華殊表示，辦理提早投票的最重要目的是方便選民，也鼓勵選民行使公民權。波士頓市共安排了28個提早投票站。10月29日那天，還會同時在波士頓市的9個選區，各設一個投票站。相關的投票站資訊，都可以在網站www.boston.gov上查得到。

波士頓選務局局長Dion Iris表示，今早投票站開門才25鐘，就有大約62人投了票。截至下午一點多時，已有大約700人投了票。波士頓市總共約有41萬選民，該局還正在處理大約9000個選民登記。

Dion Iris還特別強調，波市長提醒選民，今年的選票上有好幾各選票問題十分重要，選民應先仔細研究，再出席投票。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊原本預定中午12:45分時，投下他的一票，但沒想到從五樓辦公室搭電梯到三樓的市政府大廳時，排隊人龍已經繞成圈了。沒有動用市長特權的馬丁華殊，在市府要員前後陪同中排隊排了大約25分鐘，才和所有選民一樣，先到登記台報上住址，領取選票，再走到投票三角亭，填了有二張紙的選票。

波士頓市今日這第一天的提早投票，出席率似乎不錯，但英文報章卻指稱，提早投票的確讓選民可以更方便，快捷的投票，但似乎並未起到提升選民出席投票率的作用。反倒有些研究認為幫了倒忙。根據十幾個已經辦理提早提票州的情況來看，這作法對選民的出席投票率，影響很小。

麻州各市鎮都從今日開始辦理提早投票。劍橋市市議員張禮能(Leland Cheung)，昆士市市議員梁秀婷(Nina Liang)都各自在臉書上提醒選民，可以提早投票。梁秀婷還貼出自己已經投票了的照片。波士頓市議會議長吳弭(Michelle Wu)今日下午也出現在市政府大廳，回應選民提問。

波士頓市市議長吳弭(Michelle Wu)(左)在市政府大廳回應選民。
(周菊子攝)

麻州國會參議員伊莉莎白沃倫(Elizabeth Warren)今日中午和美國總統候選人希拉蕊(Hillary Clinton)在新罕布夏州曼徹斯特的Saint Anselm聯袂出現，針對川普(Donald Trump)，藉他描繪希拉蕊的形容詞，"討厭的女人(Nasty woman)”，喊出了”討厭的女人投票”的口號。

國會參議員沃倫(Elizabeth Warren，左一)和美國總統候選人希拉蕊
(Hillary Clinton，左三)一起到新罕布夏州催票。(Roger Lau 提供)

梁秀婷在臉書上公告，自己提早投票了。(取自臉書)

美国侨学界举办“孙中山与青年、留学生”专题研讨会

轉載

美国侨学界举办“孙中山与青年、留学生”专题研讨会

http://www.aacyf.org/?p=6551

美国侨学界举办“孙中山与青年、留学生”专题研讨会

在孙中山先生诞辰150周年之际，美国南加州侨学界人士组织“孙中山与青年、留学生”专题研讨会，探讨孙中山与青年之间的关系、以及对青年的重视，鼓励海外华裔青年、留学生加强社会责任感，以创新思维推动社区转型。该专题研讨会也是知名社会活动家方李邦琴发起的全美华人华侨纪念孙中山先生诞辰150周年筹委会主办的系列活动中的学术专题活动之一。

全美中华青年联合会会长任向东在发言中指出，孙中山先生在革命实践中逐步认识到青年和海外留学生是革命的主要依靠力量；而青年学生在选择革命领 袖问题上，也选择了中山先生。

革命初期，孙中山主 要依靠的是会党，兴中会的一百多名注册成员中，青年学生只有2名，广州起义和惠州起义后，孙中山开始考虑革命的主要力量问题，而青年学生在革命活动中的出色表现，引起了中山先生的注意。

1900年，同情中国革命的日本志士宫崎寅藏写了一本《三十三年落花梦》，书中描述了孙中山革命活动，并预言孙中山是中国未来的杰出领袖，海外留学生开始关注并追随孙中山先生。1904 年，孙中山在布鲁塞尔与中国留学生讨论三天三夜后，决定给予学生与会党同等地位，并表示，全心全意投身革命的留学生，均可作领导人。

1905到1906年，同盟会的379名会员中，学生的人数达到了354人。1905年8月孙中山到东京宣传革命思想，东京留学生一千三百人到场参加。他在同上海《大陆报》 记者谈话时说: “吾党自问，若不与此项学生联络，必不能达到吾党之目的。 ”

有一百多年历史的罗省台山宁阳会馆，当年曾出钱、出力支持孙中山先生的革命活动。罗省台山宁阳会馆顾问伍尚齐指出，孙中山先生认为青年人头脑新洁，志气不 凡，接受力强，他十分 注意对青年学生的宣传鼓动工作；孙中山 回顾他的革命生涯 时说“我 们革命的总机关，从前设在日本东京，当有一万多人，发起救国，提 倡革命风潮，这万余人不久便 回到国内，分散各省，宣 传我们主义，那时牺 牲 的精神很大。由此可见，青年和留学生在孙中山先生的革命事业中，发挥了极为重要的作用。

美华国际青年商会会长朱冰峰、南加州华人联合会白冬梅、詹瑞娥，加州大学洛杉矶分校研究员左军博士，美国越柬寮华裔青年联谊会佘军、罗省宁侨公会主席黄永华分别在发言中指出，孙中山对青年和留学生的殷切期望，至今仍具现实意义，他期望青年学生立大志干大事，肩负起建设共和国的重任。他要求青年“诸君志愿，须求大家之利益，办大家之事业。 ”他希望青年立大志。孙中山还认为要爱祖国，必须求学，热爱科学，才能造福祖国，他说，“要学科学，要爱国。否则 的话，你们的爱 国之心虽有，但是力量不够，作用也就不大了。有了学问，才能发挥 重大 的力量去爱国。 “孙中山深 刻地 认识 到了青年在革命与建设 中的重要作用，同时表现出了这位伟大的革命先行者对青年和学生的关心和爱护之心。

与会人士表示，从孙中山先生与青年和留学生的互动和认同发展来看，海外华裔青年和留学生应该继续秉持开放的思想和心态，并成为华裔社区发展和转型的动力源泉。（AACYF洛杉矶讯）

Meet the President’s newest (kid) advisor

The very first time I saw a 3D printer was on a trip to the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore when I was 8 years old. It was printing a phone case from scratch. I was so impressed that my parents enrolled me in a summer camp at a local makerspace where I could learn more about it.

I loved 3D printing and I could not wait to get a printer of my own. So I wrote to several companies that make them asking if they’d donate one for me to use at home. In return, I’d provide customer feedback. One company made my wish come true and sent me a printer.

That brought me to the annual White House Science Fair. That’s where I met President Obama. I told him he should have a kid science advisor, because we kids should have input into what we learn about in science class. And he thought that was a pretty good idea!

My wish has once again come true! The President announced he would have kid science advisors, and thousands of kids across the country -- including my little sister and me -- submitted ideas on what we think is important to explore today in science, tech, and innovation.

On Friday, I was happy to be back at the White House as one of the President’s kid science advisors, sharing my ideas with other official advisors to the President and students interested in STEM like myself -- it was so inspiring! Check out some photos of our day.

Because we are the future innovators in America, we know that we can change the world for the better. It’s really incredible to know that President Obama not only took my suggestion seriously, but that he is considering all of our suggestions, even though we are kids. It shows he believes that, no matter how old we are, we can solve the tough problems we’ll face in the future.

Thanks,

Jacob L. 
Kid Science Advisor

CITY OF BOSTON TO HOST JOB FAIR AT SHELBURNE COMMUNITY CENTER on 10/26

CITY OF BOSTON TO HOST JOB FAIR AT SHELBURNE COMMUNITY CENTER

BOSTON - Monday, October 24, 2016 - On Wednesday, the City of Boston invites residents to participate in a job fair for employment opportunities within the City of Boston and private companies. The event will take place at the Boston Centers for Youth & Families Shelburne Community Center in Roxbury, and residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about career opportunities with the City of Boston and its agencies. Representatives from city departments and private companies will be on hand to provide information and answer questions on their field of work. WHEN:       Wednesday, October 26, 11am - 3pm WHERE:     BCYF Shelburne Community Center                     2730 Washington St., Roxbury WHO: Representatives from: Boston Police Department Boston Fire Department Boston Water and Sewer Commission Mayor's Office of Diversity Mayor's Office of Workforce Development Human Resources, City of Boston Inspectional Services Department, City of Boston Verizon Adecco US Postal Service

Malden Earns Gold Medal for Early Voting

Monday, October 24, 2016

The City of Malden is the recipient of a “gold medal” award by the Massachusetts Election Modernization Coalition for going “above and beyond” in offering early voting options to residents. Early voting runs from October 24th through November 4th and has been established to give residents additional options in casting their ballots. Although residents may obtain an absentee ballot if they will be away on Election Day, there is an explanation required to obtain an absentee ballot. For early voting, residents just walk up and vote. Malden was one of 34 communities to receive top honors in exceeding the requirements and extending the service to the maximum number of hours. State Representatives Paul Donato, Paul Brodeur and Steve Ultrino surprised City Clerk Karen Anderson and her staff last Friday and presented the award. Mayor Gary Christenson, State Senator Jason Lewis and City Councillors Barbara Murphy and Debbie DeMaria attended as well.

For more information about early voting, including dates and location, please visit www.cityofmalden.org/vote.

Tours of New Police Station Offered for Residents

Monday, October 24, 2016

To accommodate residents who were unable to attend last Saturday’s Grand Opening Ceremony of the new Police Station located at 800 Eastern Avenue, tours of the new facility will be offered on Saturday, October 29th from1-2 PM. 

總統籲團結僑胞力量 吳新興說明配套政策

總統蔡英文（第一排中）出席105年僑務委員會議開幕典禮，並與出席代表合影。

總統蔡英文24日出席僑務委員會「105年僑務委員會議」開幕典禮致詞時表示，國家需要僑胞的協助連結世界，呼籲來自六大洲的160位僑務委員與政府一起努力讓世界看見台灣。回應蔡總統的期許，僑委會委員長吳新興在隨後的僑務工作報告中，說明僑委會如何引導全球僑胞力量，協助台灣發展。

總統蔡英文（右一）出席105年僑務委員會議開幕典禮，
在僑教成果展體驗AR虛擬實境

蔡總統隨後由吳新興委員長陪同，參觀僑教成果展，吳委員長說明僑務是國家務實外交的基礎，僑教則是僑務的根基，並介紹僑委會每年提供逾千所海外僑校超過65萬冊的教材，深化僑社子弟與台灣的連結。尤其推行60多年來的僑生政策更培育出12多萬名僑生，其中東南亞僑生就占了近一半，可說是推動新南向政策的基石，獲得蔡總統肯定。

僑務委員會委員長吳新興在105年僑務委員會議，進行僑務工作報告。

吳委員長在開幕典禮後接續進行僑務工作報告，詳細說明政府的僑務施政規劃藍圖。吳委員長表示，回應蔡總統對僑胞培養年輕世代及力行民間外交的期待，僑委會擘劃未來僑務工作的5大工作目標，協助國家總體發展。首先是整合僑界資源，協助推展民間外交，讓世界看見台灣。第二是推動二代僑青方案，協助僑社世代傳承，並妥善利用海外信保基金的機制，鼓勵僑社年輕。第三，建構全球聯繫平台，支持連結國人與海外發展；第四，全力串連僑界人脈，協助新南向政策的推動，提升國家競爭力。第五是靈活運用僑委會的平台角色，調整服務布局，尋求跨界合作整合，擴大對東南亞國家僑務服務的整體成效。

配合新南向政策，吳委員長表示，僑委會將善用深耕的東南亞僑界網絡，藉由1600多所華文學校的力量，擴大招收東南亞學生來台升學，同時倍增技職僑生人數，為台灣及台商企業培育人才，也協助台灣年輕人走出去，提升台灣整體競爭力。他特別提到，行政院長林全上周五召集19個部會研商新南向政策，也指示僑委會和行政院主計總處研議增資海外信保基金新台幣20億元的可行性。以承保倍數20倍計算，海外承保能量將可擴增至新台幣400億元，將是東南亞台商強力的資金後盾。吳委員長強調，僑委會將持續致力團結全球僑胞的力量，協助台灣布局全球。(僑委會提供)

BAKER POLITO ADMINISTRATION AWARDED $1.5 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO INCREASE APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW INDUSTRIES

BAKER POLITO ADMINISTRATION AWARDED $1.5 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO INCREASE APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW INDUSTRIES

Efforts in Massachusetts will focus on the education and healthcare sectors

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration has been awarded  a $1.5 million federal grant to expand registered apprenticeships in education and healthcare to provide more opportunities for women, minorities and low-income individuals.

The grant will create 2,000 new apprenticeship opportunities over the next three years, and will also assist with on-the-job training for apprentices and related instruction in partnership with the Commonwealth’s community colleges.

“Massachusetts has a long history of strong apprenticeship programs through unions and the trades and we are pleased these resources will allow for expansion into the healthcare, education, and technology industries,” Governor Charlie Baker said. “This grant will help us achieve our vision of growing apprenticeship opportunities, and giving more residents the chance to learn valuable skills to compete and succeed in our state’s economy.”

“Building strong talent pipelines is critical to the success of our state and regional economies,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “Our administration has pursued new opportunities, and created a statewide strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities into new industries with different employers.”

“I am really proud of my team for pursuing federal resources that will enable us to realize our vision and strategy around apprenticeships,”Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald L. Walker, II said. “One of the best ways to help individuals learn new skills and advance their careers is through apprenticeship programs.”

The U.S. Department of Labor on Friday afternoon awarded $50.5 million in grants to 37 states to help expand apprenticeships. The grants aim to engage employers and other partners to expand apprenticeships into new sectors and underserved populations, as well as enable states to conduct additional outreach to launch new programs.

In Massachusetts, initiatives are planned to market registered apprenticeships to new employers and support a network of regional coordinators to work with existing apprenticeship staff and the business service representatives in all 32 Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, through the Department of Career Services and Division of Apprentice Standards, proposed through this application to create a pilot program to credential “child development associates” that will assist center-based child care providers to meet new standards set by the Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC) Quality Rating Improvement System.

In healthcare, the Department of Career Services will work with two employers, each with multiple locations around the state, to implement a registered apprenticeship for pharmacy technicians and support advocates. The model will eventually be replicated.

The Education and Health Services sector accounts for 22 percent of all jobs in the Commonwealth, and continues to be one of the strongest growing sectors.

In July, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development was awarded $200,000 federal ApprenticeshipUSA State Accelerator Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that is also being used to expand and diversify apprenticeship opportunities and strengthen existing programs in Massachusetts.

Under DOL requirements, all registered apprenticeship programs must include five components – on-the-job training, direct business involvement, related instruction, rewards for skill gains, and a national occupational credential. 

The average starting salary for an apprentice graduate is more than $50,000 a year, and over the course of their careers apprentices earn $300,000 more, on average, in wages and benefits than their peers who did not participate in a registered apprentice program, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Governor Baker Declares October 24, 2016 as Massachusetts Food Day

Governor Baker Declares October 24, 2016 as Massachusetts Food Day

Massachusetts Schools Participate in Food Day Activities

BOSTON – October 24, 2016 – Today, in recognition of National Food Day, Governor Charlie Baker declared October 24, 2016 as “Massachusetts Food Day.”  To celebrate, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux and other state and public officials joined students across the state to celebrate locally sources food being served at school cafeterias throughout the Commonwealth.

“I am proud to declare today Massachusetts Food Day to raise awareness about eating a healthier diet and having access to affordable fruits and vegetables,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration supports local farmers and is dedicated to making sure all of the Commonwealth’s residents, especially our growing children, have access to fresh, healthy food.”

“Today, we celebrate the many farmers who produce high-quality crops, as well as the many Massachusetts residents employed in our vibrant food economy across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “I urge everyone to celebrate Massachusetts Food Day by purchasing delicious, healthy food products from your local farmers.”

“Massachusetts Food Day is a great opportunity to celebrate our vital agricultural industry and efforts to create healthier diets and a better food system throughout the Commonwealth,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton.  “Throughout the year, the Baker-Polito Administration is working to improve food policies to support local food production and reduce food insecurity.”

Nationally, Food Day was started in 2011 to help inspire Americans to improve their diets and local, state, and national food policies for the better.  Every October, tens of thousands of Americans participate in local events aimed at celebrating healthy, affordable and sustainable food. 

“Farm to school is a win-win effort,” said Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux. “School food service directors can improve the nutritional value and taste of school meals while also supporting the local economy. Farmers selling locally-grown products to schools can earn a profit while finding new ways to connect with local consumers.”

There are about 7,755 farms in Massachusetts working on over 523,000 acres to produce $492 million in agricultural products.  The average farm produces $63,470 of agricultural products on just 68 acres.  Massachusetts farms provide employment to nearly 28,000 workers in the Commonwealth.  While nationally the United States witnessed a decline in agriculture from 2007 to 2012, Massachusetts was one of the few states that experienced a 1 percent growth in both number of farms and acres in farmland.  

“Everyone is a winner when food is sourced locally,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer). “Our diets are healthier, our food is tastier, and our farmers are busier!  Massachusetts Food Day is a great way to recognize and celebrate all of these benefits.”

僑教中心主任歐宏偉拜訪波士頓慈濟人文學校

慈濟人文學校歡迎波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉(左三)。
(波士頓僑教中心提供)

波士頓慈濟人文學校10月23日舉辦暑假作業展，提前慶祝萬聖節。

波士頓華僑文教中心主任歐宏偉應邀出席，並與該校校長齊君明

等多人交流，探問該校校務現況，向該校家長，職員表達問候之意，說明希望將來加強合作。

歐宏偉十餘年前曾派駐波士頓，與波士頓慈濟功德會資深成員陳祥達，陳裕逢等人已是舊識，當天再見，也相談甚歡。

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES $250K SHERRIN WOODS GRANT

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES $250K SHERRIN WOODS GRANT

BOSTON - Monday, October 24, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh has announced the award of $250,000 from a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the environmental restoration of the Sherrin Woods Urban Wild in Hyde Park. The LWCF is a federal grant program administered by the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the National Park Service.                                                                "We are pleased to receive this grant to improve one of our natural areas that makes our city so livable and resilient," said Mayor Walsh. "We always welcome working with the National Park Service, the state Environmental Affairs Office and our communities to keep our neighborhoods green and healthy."   Sherrin Woods Urban Wild, a 24-acre natural area, is located in Hyde Park in southwestern Boston. It is primarily a wooded upland with two wetland areas and a large ledge outcropping, making for a varied natural landscape within a highly dense, urbanized neighborhood. According to Boston Parks Commissioner Chris Cook, the property was acquired in the early 1980s with help from a prior LWCF grant.    "This new LWCF grant will improve existing features of the site and add new features to make it more usable," Cook said.  "For the first time, the City will formally invest in new trails and trailheads to improve its access and usability by the public, create a signage and wayfinding system to encourage users to explore the extensive trail system and install seating at scenic overlooks."   The project will create a new recreational opportunity that aligns with the natural features of the site by installing two climbing areas at Pine Rock, the prominent ledge outcropping on the site. The City will also install new plantings for wetland restoration that will enhance the wildlife habitat and ecological functioning of the two wetland areas in this project site.    The community surrounding Sherrin Woods has participated in meetings and events at this site for several years. The Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation (SWBCDC) has partnered with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to engage the community to better use this valuable resource. The SWBCDC has funded summer youth crews for improvement projects under the guidance of the City's Urban Wilds Manager Paul Sutton.   "Based on input from these community meetings, the project is incorporating elements preferred by the public," Sutton said. "A full community process with enhanced outreach will follow in the months to come with the selected project design consultant."

中華民國龍獅藝陣協會走進哈佛殿堂演示民俗文化 (圖片)

波士頓華埠又添新麵包店 市長馬丁華殊剪綵